With the help of actress and feline lover AnnaLynne McCord, Fresh Step litter has picked five, cat-inspired films from a nationwide search, each of which will be introduced by McCord and screened at the Catdance Film Festival along with other Catdance "official selections" commissioned by Fresh Step.

The finalist films span the spectrum of genres, including a comedy with a twist in "Catalogue," a mock biography of an aging YouTube sensation in "Fallen Star," an animated film that pulls at the heartstrings in "Dear Rocky," a how-to video with a spin in "A Cat's Guide To Caring For A Human," and a story that shows cat love defies stereotypes in "A Change of Heart."

"Okay, I have to admit I'm obsessed with capturing cute home videos of my cat 'Buni', but I heard, that apparently there are some pretty skilled filmmakers who are actually creating their own short cat cinema masterpieces," said McCord.

"This is for all you cat lovers out there. I'm excited to announce that I will be celebrating and helping this innovative group of talent as they show off their work at the Catdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah this weekend."

The Cat and the Hat

The films will take center stage, but the buzz-worthy kitty couture spotted on the red carpet might take the spotlight. Catdance will celebrate "cattitude" when McCord unveils a limited-edition, cat-inspired hat.
True to its inspiration, the hat is a fun and playful mix of popcorn knit in a black and grey stripe complete with two pointy cat ears.

The design was collaboration with well-known knitwear designer Sunghee Bang. Suitable for both the slopes and the streets, this chic hat is the purrfect winter accessory. The cat-inspired knit hat will be available for purchase at www.aspcaonlinestore.com for $39.99 while supplies last, and 100 percent of the purchase price of each hat sold will benefit the ASPCA.

The Rest is in Your Paw

When the curtain goes down on Catdance, the festival will just be starting. While the critically acclaimed cat shorts screened at Catdance will each have their moment at the festival, the fans at home will decide which filmmaker will receive a $10,000 cash prize.

To screen all of the Catdance finalists and cast a ballot for the viewer's choice award, visit www.freshstep.com Jan. 20 through Feb. 28, 2013. All voters will have a chance to win great prizes, including the limited-edition cat hat and Fresh Step coupons.